Man Utd ace Rooney hopes to banish bitter Amsterdam memories

Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney hopes to return from Amsterdam with better memories than the last time he played at the Arena.

Rooney says he is looking forward to playing Ajax but is hoping to come out better than the last time he played here in the Amsterdam Arena for United.

The striker was sent off in a pre-season tournament in 2006 for elbowing Pepe of FC Porto.

That led to a three match ban at the start of the following campaign.

Rooney said: "I think it was a very controversial red card and I didn't deserve it. It was a long time ago and in the past.

"I'm really enjoying my football and the team are really playing well at the minute.

"We've had some difficult games but come out of it really well.

"As a player, I feel I've matured on the pitch — maybe cut out some silly bookings that I did get in the past.

"So I hope that continues as well as my form for the rest of the season."